Hawks have eyes on prize at state meet

With 22 athletes headed to this weekend’s NYSPHSAA state track and field meet at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, you could already say that this season has been a success for the Corning Hawks.

Ask the athletes themselves, and you’ll realize that there’s still work left to be done before the season comes to a close. Several Hawks have legitimate chances to medal, while a few have a good shot at victory.

"We couldn’t be more pleased. The kids work hard every day and they all push each other," Corning head coach Joseph Melanson said. "It’s awesome to see that many kids pushing each other, as well as be successful at a sport."

"Twenty-two kids – that’s so many kids. What an accomplishment," Hawks sprinter Emily Stiker said. "I’m just so proud to be a part of this team."

The Hawks proved they’re not just a team that’s full of distance talent. Corning is sending jumpers, throwers, sprinters, pole vaulters and steeplechasers to the show.

Friday’s action will put the spotlight on the distance runners, however, as freshman Lawson will compete in the 3,000 meters, while senior Chauvin closes the day in the 3,200 meters.

Lawson, already a state champion in cross country and indoor track and field, will have a chance for a rare triple crown – three state championships over three sports seasons. She will have her hands full with the likes of Penfield’s Katie Lembo in the field. Lembo topped Lawson at the Runnin’ Cadet Classic in May by 0.08 seconds.

"Jess, as always, comes to bat whenever she needs to, so we’re hoping she can come back with a first place medal," Melanson said. "I think she has a really good chance."

Lawson, with a seeding time of (9:57) is currently ranked fourth in the 3,000 behind Ursuline’s Anna Flynn (9:53), Lembo (9:55) and Arlington’s Bella Burda (9:57). Elmira’s Abbey Wheeler is seeded 10th in the event (10:10).

"I want to go to states and close out my freshman season with a strong race. I would be nice to PR, but also to do well and give it my all," Lawson said.

Chauvin, a senior who is committed to Cornell University, is seeded 11th in the 3,200 meters (9:24).

"I’m looking to run a fast time. I’ve been wanting to break 9:10 since the beginning of the season. It will be a big step up from what I’ve been running, but I also think that it will be manageable," Chauvin said.

Saturday’s action kicks off with the steeplechase – and two chances for the Hawks to shine.

Senior John McCarthy enters the 3,000 meter boys steeplechase as the top seed in the state. His time of 9:11.86 is 0.14 seconds faster than Pearl River’s Brian Cook and six seconds better than Xavier’s John Rice.

"John’s ranked No. 1, so he has a really good shot," Melanson said.

McCarthy wants to close out his high school career on a high note.

"I really want to see how fast I can run at the state championships this year. I want to see how high I can finish against really great competition," McCarthy said. "I can run a great race and come in fourth or have a chance kicking down the straightaway. It will probably just come down to the day and how well everyone else runs."

According to McCarthy, the obstacles are a plus for the 3K event.

"I like having something to focus on during a race besides a flat track," McCarthy said. "Over two miles, you tend to zone out. With the barriers, I have to something to focus on. "Once you’ve practiced it, it’s not intimidating."

In the girls 2,000-meter steeplechase, Butler enters seeded fourth in the state with a time of 7:00. Pearl River’s Kelly Hayes top-seeded time is 6:48.

"I’ve always liked hurdles," Butler said. "The thing I like about (steeplechase) is, with the 1,500 meters – you’re focus is just on running. With the steeplechase, you can’t really relax. It’s high energy and you have to be on your toes."

Spicer has made steady improvements in the pentathlon since the start of the season. He currently is ranked fifth in the state, but trails second place by less than 100 points. The pentathlon consists of the 110 hurdles, high jump, long jump, shot put and the 1,500 meters.

"The high jump is fun. The long jump is painful, but the shot put is my favorite," Spicer said. "I want to win. This week, I’ve toned down my workouts to get my body rested. It’s been difficult training for the different events.

"With anything close to my PR, I should be able to win."

The Hawks girls 3,200 relay team of Gallagher, Crook, Ustanik and Lawson are seeded ninth entering states (9:18), but are five seconds away from fifth place (and a possible medal) – with room for improvement, according to Lawson.

"I’m really excited for (the relay). We have four good girls for that," Lawson said. "At the time, I have the slowest PR on the team, I just want to help the team more by getting a better PR."

Other athletes with good shots to medal include Bath Haverling’s Justin Conklin, who is seeded fifth in the Div. II 400 meters (49.97). Notre Dame’s Jenny Smithers is seeded fourth in the 400 hurdles, while the Crusaders’ girls 400 relay team is seeded seventh.